Roy Oswalt is hugged by Lance Berkman after the Astros closed out Game 6. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

Roy Oswalt, the NLCS MVP, yielded a run on three hits in seven splendid innings and a homer by Jason Lane highlighted a potent offense, as the Astros defeated the Cardinals, 5-1, in Game 6 to earn the franchise's first trip to the World Series. Wrap | Full Coverage >

Two days after the 45th anniversary of Houston being awarded a National League franchise, the Astros rode a dominant Roy Oswalt to their first World Series with a Game 6 triumph over the Cardinals. More >

 Bagwell talks to MLB.com: 350K Lane talks to MLB.com: 350K Under the Lights on the NLCS: 350K Berkman talks to MLB.com: 350K

Oswalt aims to clinch seriesWith the Astros trying to recover from a tough Game 5 loss, 20-game winner Roy Oswalt looks to right the ship and send Houston to its first World Series with a Game 6 win. More >

St. Louis Cardinals

Mulder starts must-win gameAfter the Cards rallied to force Game 6, lefty Mark Mulder, who took the loss in Game 2 despite a strong outing, aims to send the series to a decisive seventh game. More >

Houston appeared to have its first trip to the World Series wrapped up after Lance Berkman's go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh, but Albert Pujols' three-run blast in the ninth saved the Cards. More >

After an emotional win over the Cardinals in Game 4, the Astros have a 3-1 NLCS lead and are one win away from clinching their first World Series berth since the franchise came into existence in 1962.
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The Astros' struggles with the bats were well-documented during the regular season, but they are coming up clutch in the playoffs -- and Houston is in command with a 2-1 NLCS lead as a result. More >

10/14, OFF-DAY

Houston Astros

Rocket overcoming griefAt 43 years old, Roger Clemens, mourning the loss of his mother, still gets a charge out of starting big games ... like the pivotal Game 3 at Minute Maid Park on Saturday. More >

St. Louis Cardinals

Morris out to steal showWith everyone talking about his Houston counterpart for Game 3, St. Louis starter Matt Morris considers Saturday's outing a good opportunity to go out and compete. More >

Roy Oswalt stymied the Cardinals with seven brilliant innings, allowing only Albert Pujols' homer, as the Astros evened the series by earning their first NLCS road win over the Cards, dating back to '04. More >

As they have done all season, the Cardinals used precision pitching, flawless execution and fundamental baseball to dismantle the Astros and claim NLCS Game 1, improving to 4-0 this postseason. More >

SERIES PREVIEW

Houston Astros

Pettitte prepared for Game 1 startHe returned to his hometown for exactly this opportunity, so Andy Pettitte, who missed last year's NLCS with an injury, will cherish pitching in Game 1 on Wednesday. More >

St. Louis Cardinals

Cards' Carpenter back on trackThe St. Louis ace throughout 2005, Chris Carpenter missed the chance to pitch in last year's NLCS vs. the Astros, something the Cards' Game 1 starter can't forget. More >